While Dental TLC in Sandy Springs, Ga is temporarily shut down, one our incredible hygienists is using her time wisely.

As medical professionals search for more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Barbara from Dental TLC is trying to help. She has been making homemade face masks from her home to aid medical professionals in need.

So far she has donated to nurses that her daughter knows from high school. The majority of her hand-made masks have been donated to a company called Personal Care, who handles home health care for the medically needy. 

If you would like to help contribute to this awesome cause click on this link to learn how to make these masks using this how-to video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCJcE-r7kcg. It includes instructions on what fabrics to use, measurements and a sewing guide.

Insiders information: Joann Fabrics are currently working with hospitals to contribute. 

While these are not the recommended N95 masks, the CDC guidelines permit healthcare professionals to wear homemade cotton masks as “last resort”. HCP are beyond grateful for what the volunteers are doing (see link below for more information).

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-masks-volunteers-homemade-healthcare-workers-professionals-sewing-cdc/85-324877b3-02c4-42ae-8809-fc002ef1d79b

#11alive #wsbtv #fox5atlanta  #personalcareinc #joannfabrics

#fabricfacemasksforhealthcare #PPE

Dentaltlc.com #AtlantasFUNdentalexperiene

We all know that horrible feeling. You’ve got a delicious meal in front of you, you take a bite, and out of nowhere…you feel it!

A searing pain in one of your teeth. Or you may not experience any pain at all. It just may “feel weird” and then all sudden you develop a pimple on your gums. But what does it mean?

If you’re worried that you may need a root canal, don’t panic. There are some sure-fire signs to look out for that can put your mind at ease.

Root canals have a bad reputation. At Dental TLC we specialize in changing your perception on this and other dental procedures. We are proud to have an Associate Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist) as a part of our team. He works closely with our general dentists to co-diagnose allowing us to provide our patients with customized, cost effective, and convenient care UNDER ONE ROOF.

The vast majority of root canal procedures proceed painlessly. With modern techniques and anesthetics many of our patients have reported that having a root canal is close to the same experience as having a filling done.

Root canal therapy is imperative to prolong the life of a tooth that may have a deep cavity, fracture, or infection.

Keep reading to learn more and for five signs indicating you may need a root canal. Let’s get started!

Severe/ Spontaneous Tooth Pain

“’Spontaneous” …meaning you have a tooth that just starts to cause you significant pain for no other attributable cause, completely out of the blue.

This is a significant sign, because root canals are required when a tooth has decayed to a point that the nerve inside the affected tooth is exposed. The pain can range in severity, and it can also change in sensation as you change positions, like sitting, bending over, laying down etc. If you have spontaneous, significant tooth pain, call your dentist or endodontist immediately.

Discoloration of Teeth

If one of your teeth becomes darker in color than the rest, this can be a sign of infection and/or nerve damage within the tooth. Typically, the affected tooth will take on a gray shadow.

“Pimples” On Your Gums

If you see what appears to be a pus-filled “boil” on your gum, you may be experiencing a tooth infection.

Do NOT attempt to drain such an area. Instead, notify your dentist or endodontist and let them assess the condition.

Gum Swelling or Discomfort

An infected tooth will typically cause some sort of discomfort around the gum tissues. However, the discomfort can take many forms. In some patients, it feels like a relatively painless bump or knot on the gums. In others, the swelling can be noticeable on the outside of the face.

Patients who have previously been diagnosed with gum disease may mistakenly assume that this swelling is a part of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Schedule a consult and we can determine what treatment is best for you.

Prolonged Sensitivity or Painful Chewing

This is another symptom which can be mistaken for something less severe. When patients feel minor discomfort eating something sugary, that can be a sign of a cavity. Painful chewing or pain when biting without food are good reasons to call your dentist immediately.

GENTLE & NON-JUDGMENTAL

Dental TLC Offers You A Comfortable, Convenient & Cost-Effective Experience

Dental TLC believes that going to the dentist should be enjoyable, because you’re doing something good for yourself! Your comfort is our #1 priority! Our talented team is hand-picked to provide you with the best care possible. Free laughing gas is just one of the ways we accumulate our raving fans. We have extended hours of operation to better serve busy Atlanta. Give us a look!

404-255-2273

https://www.dentaltlc.com

290 Hilderbrand Dr. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

Atlanta’s FUN Dental Experience

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may be caused by a number of factors. We all know that pungent foods such as onions or garlic can cause less-than-fresh breath, but dry mouth, periodontal disease and tobacco use can also contribute.

Bad breath can also be caused by bacteria that feed off of food particles and other debris that sticks to teeth to dental braces. Thorough brushing and flossing at least twice a day or after eating should take care of the offending odors. Paying specific attention to your tongue while brushing can also help eliminate odors since bacteria can cling to the tongue’s surface.

If you are concerned about having bad breath after eating, but do not have time to brush afterwards, chewing gum or sucking sugar-free candy can help stimulate saliva flow which helps wash away bacteria and debris.

How to keep your breath so ‘fresh & so clean, clean’…

1) Schedule professional dental cleanings at least 2 x per year. Bacteria lurks and builds up below your gum line in areas that your tooth brush & floss cannot reach.

2) Drinking plenty of water and snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots can also prevent halitosis-causing bacteria from forming.

3) If you smoke, bad breath is one of many health concerns that may affect your decision to quit. Since smoking can cause vitamin C deficiency, which could be contributing to your bad breath, taking a vitamin C supplement may help.

4) Products like breath sprays, mints and mouth wash are also great ways to mask bad breath on the run but will not treat its root cause and may wear off quickly.

🦠If you notice that you are developing chronic bad breath, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

🦠If your halitosis is caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist can offer gum disease treatment.

404-255-2273

https://www.dentaltlc.com

290 Hilderbrand Dr. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

Atlanta’s FUN Dental Experience

Thanksgiving is almost here, reminding us to reflect on the things that matter most in life. At Dental TLC, we have many things to be thankful for, and I cannot think of a better time to list just a few of the things for which we are truly grateful. First and foremost, we are thankful for our patients. The entire Dental TLC team is grateful for the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of so many people. We’re thankful for our hardworking teammates who show dedication and compassion day in and day out. At Dental TLC, we call ourselves “The Tribe,” the bond that holds us all together is our love for each other and our patients. Their incredible and talented spirits fuel the fun environment that Dental TLC is known for. I hope this time of year also has you reflecting on all of the gifts in your life. From all of us at Dental TLC, THANK YOU and we hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Play for a chance to win your choice of a Sonicare Essence Toothbrush or a $100 gift card.

Snap a selfie using an Easter filter on Snapchat while brushing your teeth. Post the photo on your Facebook Page then Check In with Dental TLC and use the hashtag #dentaltlceastercontest2019 for a chance to win! See instructions below 🙂

This contest BEGINS on April 15, 2019, and ENDS April 22, 2019. The selfie with the most likes by April 22, 2019 wins!

We will announce the winner on Facebook on April 23, 2019.

STEPS TO WIN:

1. Snap a selfie using an Easter filter on Snapchat while brushing your teeth. Save selfie to your phone from the Snapchat App or export the pic from the snap chat app to Facebook .
2. Post the photo on your Facebook Page then Check In with Dental TLC and use the hashtag: #dentaltlceastercontest2019
3. Wait patiently and hope you win!

Now go forth little, brushing bunnies and please keep it clean folks!

LEGAL JARGON:

No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. By participating in the contest, each entrant agrees to abide by all contest rules, including all applicable eligibility requirements and understands that the results of the contest, as determined by Dental TLC and its agents, are final in all respects.

The contest is open to legal residents of their respective countries where not prohibited by law, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry who have Internet access and a valid Facebook account prior to the beginning of the contest period. Dental TLC has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant.

Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all other costs and expenses not specifically listed as part of a prize in these rules or otherwise outlined in the promotion and which may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt, and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize is solely the responsibility of the winner. The prize is non-transferrable and may not be substituted for cash or other prizes.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. By participating in this promotion, you understand that you are entering into a promotion with Dental TLC and you are providing your information to Dental TLC and not to Facebook. Any questions, comments, or complaints should be directed to Dental TLC, not Facebook.

By participating in this contest, entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dental TLC and it’s employees, contractors, and affiliates, and Facebook from any and all liabilities and damages directly or indirectly incurred.

By participating in this contest, entrants grant Dental TLC permission to use his/her name, likeness, comments, and imagery for promotional purposes without payment, except where prohibited by law.

Dental TLC contact information:
290 Hilderbrand Drive
Suite A-9
Atlanta, GA 30328

Any questions, comments, or complaints should be sent to: [email protected]

Did you know that if you need a periodontal tooth cleaning that having a regular cleaning could actually be a disservice to the health of your teeth and gums? Yes that’s right! Many patients have questions about the difference in teeth cleaning treatments and today we are here to discuss the differences in these types of cleanings.

There are 3 types of cleanings, depending on how healthy your gums are. The term gum disease—or periodontal disease—describes bacterial growth that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. X-rays give a clear view of any bone loss and tartar under the gum line.

“Periodontal” means “around the tooth” and hygiene probing measures the seal around the neck of each tooth. When you hear the hygienist calling out numbers during gum measurements, low numbers are the best. If the numbers are under 4, you will need a regular cleaning. If the numbers are 4 or above, then a deep cleaning may be required.

Healthy Gums & No Bone Loss

The Regular Cleaning

Gums are healthy. The regular cleaning removes tartar, stain and plaque from the enamel above the gum line.

Healthy gums appear pink, they do not bleed and they hug each tooth tightly. Shallow pocket depths are measured when probed. Normal is between 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters. No tartar or bone loss is detected on the X-rays and gums do not bleed!

Routine dental cleanings are recommended twice a year to keep your gums and teeth in a healthy condition. Gum disease is fast progressing and just because your gums are healthy doesn’t mean you should take them for granted.

Inflammed Gums but No Bone Loss

The Gingivitis Cleaning

If bleeding and inflammation are present, your gums have the early signs of periodontal disease. A gingivitis cleaning removes tartar, plaque and stain and deep tartar incrusted deep below the gum line. This takes more time than a regular cleaning.

Diseased gums easily bleed when probed because of infection and inflammation. They appear red and puffy and their pocket measurements are deeper. Pockets that measure 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters indicate signs of disease.

X-rays detect deep tartar under the gum line at the neck of the tooth, but the bone crests are still intact. Gums can return to a healthy state with frequent regular cleanings and consistent home care.

Bleeding Gums and Bone Loss

The Periodontal Disease Cleaning

Here your gums are forever in a diseased state, but still manageable. This cleaning removes deep tartar incrusted on exposed roots, as well as infected and inflamed bone and gum tissue. Anesthetics are used for comfort. Sensitivity occurs because exposed root is porous and no longer insulated by the dome of enamel. Diseased bone bleeds easily, pus is visible and root surfaces are exposed because of the receding gum and bone tissue. X-rays show bone loss advancing and deep tartar encrusted on the exposed roots.

Routine visits to the dentist may be recommended more often than twice per year. Dentist approved plaque-removal devices, such as special toothbrushes, toothpicks or water irrigation tools can improve your at home care. Prescribed anti-plaque, anti-tartar toothpastes and rinses can also help and maintain a healthy mouth.

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments for periodontal disease, depending on its severity.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

Scaling: The removal of tartar and bacteria from teeth and beneath gums. This is usually done in a standard professional teeth cleaning.
Root planing: Smoothing the root surfaces to discourage further buildup of tartar and bacterial toxins.
Antibiotics: May include topical antibiotics like mouth rinses and gels, or oral antibiotics.

Surgical treatments include:

Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery): Lifting back gum tissue, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. The underlying bone may be recontoured so that it will be easier to clean the area around the gums.
Soft tissue grafts: This reinforces soft tissue lost to gum recession. A small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth is relocated to the gum line in order to reduce further gum loss, cover exposed roots and improve appearance.
Bone grafting: This is done when the bone around the tooth root has been destroyed and helps prevent tooth loss by holding the tooth in place. It also promotes bone regrowth.
Guided tissue regeneration: This promotes regrowth of bone through the use of a biocompatible fabric being placed between the bone and tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from growing so that the bone can grow back.
Enamel matrix derivative application: This procedure, another form of guided tissue regeneration, involves the application of gel to a diseased tooth root. The gel contains the same proteins that naturally exist in developing tooth enamel. Its application stimulates healthy bone and tissue growth.

Periodontal disease is something you have to monitor your whole life, kind of like your blood pressure. You can reverse gum disease in it’s early stages, but once the gum detaches, bone is lost and/or the root surface is exposed, you can only treat it to decrease further deterioration. Call Dental TLC at (404) 255-2273 today and schedule your next dental cleaning. It’s our priority to give you the appropriate cleaning to maintain healthy gums and teeth!

Most people don’t tend to place the same importance on dental health as they do on their medical health, though the oral cavity is a mirror that can reflect and unravel many of the human body’s internal secrets.  Systemic diseases can manifest oral symptoms at an early phase, which can be crucial for a diagnosis and timing of treatment. Depending on the condition, areas such as the soft palate, hard palate, tongue, gingiva, oral mucosa, the dentition, periodontium, or the salivary gland tissue can all be affected.

Just as there is a blood-brain barrier that protects the brain from toxins in the blood, there is a barrier between the gums and teeth and the rest of the body. This barrier breaks down a little bit every time there is inflammation or an infection in the mouth, triggering disease and dysfunction in other parts of the body.  It’s important to realize that your dentist sees much more than just your teeth!  Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations.  A few health-related conditions that can show up in the mouth include:

Diabetes

High sugar levels in saliva can help because bacteria to grow in the mouth, meaning people with diabetes have a much higher risk of infections in the mouth from bacteria, viruses, yeast, and fungi. Trouble controlling blood sugar results in a higher risk of severe gum disease and tooth loss. Diabetes can also cause less saliva to flow, which also poses a risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

Cancer

Treatment for cancer can cause many oral health problems, such as bleeding, sores, and infections from yeast, fungus, or bacteria. It can also cause dry mouth, where there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps prevents infection, gum disease, and tooth decay. Dry mouth puts you at higher risk for these problems. The inside of the mouth can also become inflamed and sore (oral mucositis). This can cause pain and difficulty eating, tasting, swallowing, or speaking.

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS virus puts patients at risk for dental decay, gum disease, and mouth infections, like oral warts, yeast infections, sores and blisters. Patients with HIV/AIDS are also at a higher risk for oral hairy leukoplakia, a white fuzzy growth on the tongue or insides of the cheeks or lips. The medications used for treatment can cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of tooth decay, severe gum disease, and infections in the mouth. Conversely, infections in the mouth can make controlling HIV/AIDS more difficult.

Hyperthyroidism

People with overactive thyroid have a higher risk of tooth decay and severe gum disease. They also have a risk of thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) in the jaw that help hold the teeth in place. And some people have burning mouth syndrome, a condition where the lips, tongue, or mouth feels hot.

Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that is caused when the immune system (white blood cells) turns against the body’s own cells. It is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in dry eyes and xerostomia. The immune system attacks the moisture-producing glands and causes dryness and other problems in the body. This puts people with Sjögren’s syndrome at a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.

Iron deficiency / Anemia

If a person has had blood loss or a health condition that destroys red blood cells, this causes anemia. With anemia, not having enough blood cells means the tissues of the body don’t get enough oxygen. In the mouth, this may lead to gum disease.

Leukemia

Leukemia, as well as subsequent chemotherapy, has a distinct effect on dental health, which means that dental hygiene should be a priority when a patient is fighting the disease. One of the first signs of leukemia can be gingivitis, or swelling and bleeding gums.

Eating Disorders (bulimia and anorexia)

Food restriction often leads to nutritional deficiency. Nutrients that promote oral health include calcium, iron and B vitamins. Insufficient calcium promotes tooth decay and gum disease; even if an anorexia patient does consume enough calcium, they also need enough vitamin D to help the body absorb it. Insufficient iron can foster the development of sores inside the mouth. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) can contribute to bad breath and the development of canker sores. Gums can become red and swollen—almost glossy-looking—which is often a sign of gingivitis. The mouth can also be extremely dry, due to dehydration, and lips may become reddened, dry and cracked.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The bacterium that causes periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, increases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), leading to an earlier onset of the disease, and causes symptoms to progress more quickly. Doctors don’t know for sure how gum disease and RA are linked, but both diseases have inflammation in common, which may explain the connection. Inflammation is a protective immune system response to foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria. But with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation even though there are no viruses or bacteria to fight off.

If you have any of these health conditions, work with Dental TLC to make sure your mouth stays healthy. Continue to take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly. You also may need to see us more often for checkups, x-rays, and cleanings. Tell us about any concerns of your oral health you have, such as sores, white patches, pain, or other problems in your mouth. Together you can keep you and your mouth healthy.

Watch Dr. Simian explain how healthy teeth result in a heathy body:

Happy Valentine’s Day to our valued patients

Valentine’s Day is a holiday tailor-made for dental offices, don’t you think? And with all that hugging and kissing going on, who better to give you a few tips on keeping that kisser fresh and clean than us? Here are four tried-and-true ways to ensure you’re imminently kissable this February 14th! (Healthy Teeth= Healthy Body)

1. Floss and brush before you go out.
2. Brush your tongue, or use a tongue scraper as an added measure.
3. Stay hydrated. This one trick alone can help you stay fresh. So important!
4. Bring along some sugar-free Xylitol gum to cover you up in a pinch.

Try each one of these Valentine’s Day tips, and you’ll feel confident while close all day long!

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Please do not forget to use the #DentalTLCHalloweenCostumeContest2017

Dental TLC Halloween Costume Contest 2017

Legal Jaron:

UPDATE: The winners are…

Most Likes Winner: Jaren Sutton

Staff Favorite Winner: Kim Phelps Garrison

Congratulations!

Play for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Take a funny selfie and post it on our Facebook Page with hashtag #dentaltlcselfiecontest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

This contest BEGINS on June 7, 2017, and ENDS June 30, 2017. The selfie with the most likes by June 30, 2017 wins!

We will announce the winner on Facebook on July 8, 2017.

Steps to win:

1. Come into the office and snap a funny photo of yourself. Must be an in office selfie.
2. Post the photo on our Facebook Page with the hashtag: #dentaltlcselfiecontest
3. Wait patiently and hope you win

No go forth and be funny and keep it clean folks! Please don’t touch our office equipment!

Legal Jaron: